“Who between Neymar and Balotelli is more prepared to become a star of the World Cup? In my view, Mario is more ready than the Brazilian,” said teammate Barzagli today.

“Neymar is very strong, but just needs some European experience to become one of the best. Mario is proving right now that he is ready for the big stage and will be a protagonist of the 2014 World Cup.”

It has emerged that Neymar urged Julio Cesar to call his old Inter teammate Balotelli before the game in Geneva to ensure he’d get to swap shirts with the Milan striker.